Ditemnus bidentatus
This record describes Ditemnus bidentatus (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ditemnus bidentatus (Ditemnus bidentatus) is a species in the family Cantharidae, commonly known as soldier beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Silinae, tribe Silini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Elateroidea. This species belongs to the genus Ditemnus. Size: 3.5-4.5 mm. Found in grassland, coll'ed on Poa.
Identification notes
Cantharidae of e. Can and ne. US
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Silinae
- Tribe
- Silini
- Genus
- Ditemnus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
grassland, coll'ed on Poa
Geographic Range
e NA (NS-FL to ON-IN-OK-MS) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ditemnus bidentatus (Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ditemnus bidentatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Ditemnus bidentatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ditemnus bidentatus
What is Ditemnus bidentatus?
Ditemnus bidentatus is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ditemnus bidentatus?
3.5-4.5 mm
How do you identify Ditemnus bidentatus?
Cantharidae of e. Can and ne. US
Where is Ditemnus bidentatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | grassland, coll'ed on Poa |
| Range | e NA (NS-FL to ON-IN-OK-MS) - Map |